The Vashon Care Network and its Care Closet continue to grow in both space and offerings.
Chris Jovanovich and Bridget Webb, of The Vashon Care Network, likely never imagined such growth when they began to collect and share medical equipment and hygiene supplies in garages, sheds, and the mortuary over many years – all for distribution without charge to islanders.
Since 2018, Vashon Lutheran Church has welcomed and housed the Care Closet.
But the Care Closet kept growing, so we built two barn-shaped sheds on the edge of the church parking lot. This was accomplished over the past one-and-a-half years, thanks to generous financial support from Vashon individuals, groups, and businesses, through our “Barn Dance” initiative. Volunteers have also given thousands of hours of labor to achieve the completion of the barns.
It’s hard to imagine, but in 2021, the Care Closet provided almost 1,800 pieces of medical equipment and a sizable supply of hygiene products to about 800 islanders.
Additionally, almost equal numbers of extra equipment were shared with two off-island groups, the Gateway Medical Alliance, which sends supplies abroad, and the Bridge Disabilities Ministries.
Vashon Care Network is dedicated to supporting the local caregiving community by offering educational workshops, providing opportunities to network, advocating for caregivers to practice self-care, and creating ways for new Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to meet the growing needs of our community.
In partnership with the Vashon Senior Center, VCN provided scholarships to 13 islanders in 2021 and early 2022 to take the required classes to become certified Home Care Aides. There is an ever-increasing need for in-home help on the island.
It takes a volunteer village to run Vashon Care Network. Webb and Jovanovich are still deeply involved in VCN and remain the heart of the organization.
Four additional volunteers provide equipment and hygiene products for those who ask. Others step up to fix and deliver equipment. Another is creating an online inventory system.
Makerspace volunteers and others spent countless hours building the new Care Closet barns. Four experienced caregivers review scholarship applications. Six board members and six committee co-chairs help carry out the fundamental work of this exceptional non-profit.
Certainly, 2022 is a year of new beginnings for VCN, and with the “Together Down Memory Lane” initiative’s goal of $36,000 in funding, we look forward to supporting:
• Expanded support for Island caregivers, families, and individuals.
• Expanded scholarship support for caregiver education and training.
• Expanded distribution of loaned and free equipment and supplies.
• Expanded donations as well as the purchase of equipment and supplies.
• Installation of new inventory control and distributions systems.
• Communications, marketing, and development support.
Finally, we note with deep gratitude that the services of the Vashon Care Network are provided entirely by our dedicated volunteers. We invite you to join this committed group of fellow islanders.
Note: Visit Vashon Care Network’s website at vashoncarenetwork.org or reach them by phone at 206-473-8715.
